Summary:
Guwahati, Oct 23 (PTI) The opposition Congress in Assam on Saturday urged the state"s chief electoral officer to bar Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from campaigning for the October 30 by-elections, alleging that he violated the model code of conduct (MCC) by promising development projects in poll-bound constituencies.
The party also claimed that the CM has "lowered the prestige of Indian Parliamentary System, the election system and the Constitution" during the campaigning for candidates of the BJP and its allies.
In a memorandum to Nitin Khade, the state"s chief electoral officer, the Congress accused Sarma of "repeatedly making statements that for the development of any Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC), it is important for an MLA to belong to the ruling party".
"He also announced that if any sitting opposition party MLA joins the BJP, he will give Rs 2,000 crore worth development projects in his constituency," it said.
Quoting Sarma"s speech in campaigning in Thowra where he had allegedly said it would now be easier for BJP candidate Sushanta Borgohain to ensure development as he had left the Congress to join the saffron camp, the opposition party also said, "This is a shocking violation of the tenets of the Constitution.
Every MLA whether in ruling or opposition is entitled to get his development fund".